How often should heart rate be assessed while chest compressions are ongoing?

While assessing heart rate during ongoing chest compressions is important for monitoring the effectiveness of CPR, it is typically recommended that this assessment occurs every 2 minutes rather than every 60 seconds. This is because the rhythm and quality of compressions are crucial for ensuring adequate circulation, and frequent interruptions can be counterproductive.

In CPR protocols, a reassessment of the patient's condition, including heart rate, is usually done after a cycle of compressions, which is often set at 2-minute intervals. This allows for enough time to perform compressions effectively without interrupting them too frequently, which can decrease the chances of a good outcome in a cardiac arrest situation.

Effective CPR guidelines emphasize minimizing interruptions in chest compressions to maintain blood flow. Therefore, the 2-minute refresh for reassessing heart rate balances the need for evaluation with the critical requirement for continuous compressions.